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20 Nigerian Slangs Among 500 New Words, Phrases in Oxford English, ‘gele’, ‘japa’, 419, others made list
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Oxford English Dictionary (EOD) has released a list of 500 new words and phrases added to the English Language lexicon.
The new words and phrases come from different countries especially from West Africa and East Asia, including Japan, Nigeria, Korea, Ghana, Philippines among many others.
Nigeria has the most influence from the African continent with 20 words and phrases while Ghana has seven new words and phrases adopted into the lexicon.
In an introductory article authored by Lexicographer and the Executive Director of the OED, Danica Salazar, she paid tribute to two Nigerian authors, Flora Nwakpa and Ben Okri whose works introduced some of the words originating from Nigeria.
According to her, “In Nigerian cookery, suya is a dish consisting of thinly sliced pieces of spiced meat grilled or roasted on a skewer, usually sold by street vendors and eaten as a snack. Its first quotation in the OED was taken from a piece published in the literary magazine Présence Africaine, written by Nigerian author Flora Nwapa, considered to be the mother of modern African literature: ‘Will you eat suya Ona?’ Phil asked me. ‘Oh yes. I hear they have delicious suya here.’”
“Abi, another borrowing from Yoruba, is used in Nigerian English as a sentence adverb to mean clearly, obviously, of course. It is also used interrogatively, at the end of a statement, to prompt agreement, approval, or confirmation, like ‘isn’t that so?’ or ‘am I not correct?’. Its first quotation in the OED is from the 1980 novel Flowers and Shadows by Nigerian-born British poet and novelist Ben Okri: ‘If one doesn’t talk doesn’t mean one is foolish, abi’.”
Also, Nigerian linguist and consultant to OED, Kingsley Ugwuanyi who played a part in the current listing expressed excitement over the inclusion of Nigerian words and phrases into the lexicon. In a statement shared on his Linkedin page, Ugwuanyi revealed that he also played a role in the pronunciation of the new words and phrases.
He wrote:
“I’m thrilled to announce that the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Oxford Languages | OUP has officially published its latest updates, featuring an amazing collection of Nigerian English words that beautifully reflect Nigeria’s culture, creativity, and the unique ways we express ourselves as Nigerians.
“This time, I not only drafted most of the words but also had the incredible opportunity to provide their hashtag#pronunciations! So, when you explore the OED online and click on the pronunciations, you’ll hear my hashtag#voice bringing these words to life.”
Below is the full list of the new entries from Nigeria, Ghana, Japan and Korea:
Ghanaian English
azonto, n.
banku, n.
burger, n.2
burger highlife, n.
galamsey, n.
galamseyer, n.
Veronica bucket, n.
Nigerian English
419, n.
abi, adv.
adire, n.
agbero, n.
area boy, n.
cross-carpeting, n.
cross-carpet, v.
gele, n.2
jand, n.
jand, v.
janded, adj.
Japa, n.
japa. v.
Naija, n. and adj.
suya, n.
to yarn dust, phrase in yarn, v.
yahoo, n.2
yahoo boy, n.
Words of Korean origin
dalgona, n.
dalgona coffee, n.
hyung, n.
jjigae, n.
maknae, n.
noraebang, n.
pansori, n.
tteokbokki, n.
Words of Japanese origin
dorayaki, n.
furikake, n.
furoshiki, n.
gaman, n.
gaman, v.
Golden Week, n.
J-, comb._form
maneki-neko, n.
omiyage, n.
omurice, n.
sando, n.2
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
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